Ball glove with one-piece back side skin

ABSTRACT

A ball glove for baseball, softball and other sports includes a one-piece back side skin composed of a one-piece pre-formed member, which eliminates stitching and joining of back side skin parts with welting. The back side skin includes openings in the hinge zones and in the vicinity of finger crotches between respective fingers for easy close/open function and better control of the ball caught in the ball glove. In the finger zone of the back side skin, apertures, elevated lines, or combination thereof are formed. The combination of the apertures and elevated lines allows for a more coordinated bending action of the fingers when catching the ball. It also gives the glove the balance of the right softness, which is neither too stiff nor too soft.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a ball glove for baseball, softball and other sports. In particular, the present invention relates to a ball glove comprising one-piece back side skin and a webbing composed of a one-piece pre-formed member, and finger sections of the one-piece back side skin are joined to a palm side skin with fourchettes so that a use of welting is minimized.

BACKGROUND

A ball glove is designed to be worn by placing fingers in a finger zone of the hand cavity formed by a back side skin and a palm side skin of the ball glove to protect fingers of the wearer of the ball glove. Another important function of a ball glove is its ability to close and open the glove to secure and to release the ball caught in the ball glove. Thus, it is important for a ball glove to respond to movement of the wearer's fingers in a finger zone and to provide secure grip.

In a general manufacturing process of making a ball glove, the leather hide is cutting out to individual pieces. The cut pieces are then grouped together to sew them together into one section and the sewing of some of pieces are done with welting. The welting is a strip of material which run along the perimeter of the pieces. For example, as shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 3, the back side skin of the ball glove are made out of several pieces joined with welting. FIG. 2b shows a front side skin with welting and as depicted in FIG. 2c and FIG. 2d , the back side skin and the front side skin of the ball glove are joined with welting. FIG. 2c shows an inside out view. A webbing is also constructed from several pieces of leather joining with welting.

The welting increases structural integrity and adds support to the ball glove. However, the welting also makes the ball glove too stiff and difficult to close and also provides discomfort to the wearer of the ball glove. In particular, the back side skin of the ball glove joined with welting gives bulging effect on a back lining secured to the back side skin, as depicted in FIG. 3. The bulged portion hits directly on fingers of the wearer of the ball glove resulting to uncomfortable feel and restrained gripping and the welting to join the back side skin and the front side skin prevent easy movement of the fingers. As a result, the ball glove with welting provide the structural integrity but does not provide the comfort and control which players are seeking,

Further, demands from the players become diversified. For example, depending on player's position, a different gripping style is required. In a baseball game, a ball glove with secure gipping capability is desirable for outfielders while a ball glove with quick releasing capability is desirable for an infielder. However, the structure with welting does not have such versatility to accommodate these requirements without major structural modification. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a ball glove that provide comfort to the wearer and the versatility to accommodate requirements based on player's position.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In view of the above mentioned situation, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a ball glove structure comprising a one-piece pre-formed member, which minimizes a use of the welting and accommodate different gripping style without major structural modification.

According to the present invention, the ball glove comprises a palm side skin forming a front wall of the glove and a back side skin forming a back wall of the glove. The back side skin is coupled to the palm side skin to define a hand cavity and comprises a finger zone having a plurality of finger sections including an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section, a little finger section, and a thumb section. The ball glove has distal and proximal ends. The hand cavity is defined by the backside skin and the palm side skin, and has an opening to insert wearer's hand in the proximal end of the ball glove and the finger zone is located on distal end of the ball glove. The index finger section and the thumb section are coupled with webbing. A back lining is secured to the back side skin. A palm lining is secured to the palm side skin. The back side skin further comprises hinge zones which extend from base of the little finger section and the thumb section toward the proximate end of the ball glove.

In the finger zone of the back side skin, apertures, elevated lines, or combination thereof are formed. In some of the embodiments, the apertures are formed in the finger zone to provide flexibility to the ball glove. The apertures may be a slit extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove or a slit extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections. At least one of the apertures may be provided to each finger section.

In some of embodiments, the elevated lines are formed in the finger zone to provide stiffness. The elevated lines may extend from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove. In some embodiments, the back side skin may comprises the elevated lines extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove and the elevated lines extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections. The elevated lines may be spiked.

In some of embodiments, the apertures and the elevated lines are formed in the finger zone to adjust stiffness of ball glove depending on player's gripping style. For example, the plurality of finger sections are configured to grasp an equator of ball by respective finger sections on which at least two of the elevated lines are formed. In particular, the at least two of the elevated lines are formed on each of the thumb section and the index finger section to make them stiff and at least two of the apertures are provided to the middle finger section and the ring finger section, so that an equator of the ball is grasped by the stiffen finger sections to provide the firm gripping.

In another example, the plurality of finger sections are configured to grasp a polar zone of ball by respective finger sections on which at least two of elevated lines are formed. In particular, at least two of the elevated lines are formed on each of the thumb section and the middle finger section to make them stiff, and at least two of the apertures are provided to each of the rest of the finger sections, so that a polar zone of the ball is grasped by the stiffen finger sections to provide the quick release capability.

In yet, another example, the plurality of finger sections are configured to grasp an area between an equator of ball and a polar zone of ball by respective finger sections on which at least two of elevated lines are formed. In particular, at least two of the elevated lines are formed on each of the thumb section and the ring finger section to make them stiff, and at least two of the apertures is provided to the index finger section and the middle finger section so that an area between a polar zone and equator of the ball is grasped by the stiffen finger sections to provide moderate gripping.

Optionally, additional apertures or elevated lines may be added to adjust flexibility or stiffness. These three configurations are just the most typical combination but it may not necessarily be limited to these three only.

These examples are based on the player's gripping style of how they will close the glove to catch the ball. The open slits allows for a smooth bending action of the fingers while the elevated lines reinforces the designated fingers for a firmer grip when catching the ball. The combination of the apertures and elevated lines allows for a more coordinated bending action of the fingers when catching the ball. It also gives the glove the balance of the right softness—not too stiff and not too soft making it easier to close.

The back side skin may further comprising openings in the hinge zones and vicinity of finger crotches between the index finger section and the middle finger section, the middle finger section and the ring finger section, and the ring finger section and the little finger section and the openings in the vicinity of finger crouches extend toward a proximal end of the ball grove. These openings provide easy close/open function and better control of the ball caught in the ball glove.

In some of embodiments, a plurality of fourchettes, which are narrow forked strip, are used to join the palm side skin and the back side skin and each fourchette is displaced between respective finger sections. Respective fourchettes displaced between the index finger section and the middle finger section, the middle finger section and the ring finger section, and the ring finger section and the little finger section are in substantially U-shape, and the one displaced between the thumb section and the index finger section is in substantially channel shape. The fourchettes may comprise an opening to allow easy movement of the finger sections and different shapes and widths of the fourchettes can create desired finger curve and pocket formation.

In some embodiments, the webbing may comprise a one piece pre-formed web laminated to a leather web part as well. The one piece pre-formed web may comprise slit apertures, elevated lines formed on the one piece pre-formed web, or combination thereof. The slit apertures and/or the elevated lines formed on the one piece pre-formed web extend from a proximal end of the ball to a distal end of the ball grove, extend in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the index finger section, or extend in an oblique direction to an extending direction of the index finger section. By combining the pre-formed webbing part with a leather webbing part, a stretching of the leather webbing part by repeated catching of the ball can be prevented.

The foregoing and other objectives and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiment may be utilized and the structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submitted merely as showing the preferred exemplification of the invention. Accordingly, the following detail description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing, showing by way of illustration a particular embodiment of the present invention. Although the figures are shown in a left-handed glove, in FIG. 9a , FIG. 10a , and FIG. 11a , a mirror image of back side skin of left handed glove is illustrated for better understanding of relationship between wearer's fingers illustrated in FIG. 9b , FIG. 10b , and FIG. 11b . The present invention is not limited to the left-handed glove. A right-handed glove would be substantially identical to the left-handed glove. The illustrated embodiment is merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of the ball glove in accordance with some of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2a is a plane view of a back side skin of traditional glove showing cut pieces joined together with welting.

FIG. 2b is a plane view of a front side skin of traditional glove.

FIG. 2c is a perspective of a back side skin of traditional glove joined to the front side skin with welting and turned inside out.

FIG. 2d illustrates in-process joining of the front side skin to the back side skin.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the traditional glove.

FIG. 4a is a plane view of back side skin with slits extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove.

FIG. 4b is a plane view of back side skin with slits extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections.

FIG. 5a is a plane view of back side skin with slits extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove and openings in hinge zones and in vicinity of finger crotches.

FIG. 5b is a plane view of back side skin with slits extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections and openings in hinge zones and in vicinity of finger crotches.

FIG. 6a illustrates the slit extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove in the finger section.

FIG. 6b illustrates the slit apertures in FIG. 6a during play.

FIG. 6c illustrates the slit extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections.

FIG. 6d illustrates the slit apertures in FIG. 6c during play.

FIG. 7a is a plane view of the back side skin with the elevated lines extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove.

FIG. 7b is a plane view of the back side skin with the elevated lines extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove and openings in hinge zones and in vicinity of finger crotches.

FIG. 8a is a partial perspective view of the finger sections with elevated lines.

FIG. 8b is a magnified view of spike elevated line.

FIG. 9a is a plane view of the back side skin with the elevated lines and apertures in the finger sections in accordance of some of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9b illustrates positional relationship between wearer's fingers and a ball in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 10a is a plane view of the back side skin with the elevated lines and apertures in the finger sections in accordance of some of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10b illustrates positional relationship between wearer's fingers and a ball in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 a.

FIG. 11a is a plane view of the back side skin with the elevated lines and apertures in the finger sections in accordance of some of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11b illustrates positional relationship between wearer's fingers and a ball in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 a .

FIG. 12 illustrates the front side skin and the back side skin joined with fourchettes.

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14a-e illustrate one piece pre-formed webbing laminated to a leather web part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, depicted is a ball glove in accordance with some of embodiments of the present invention. The ball glove 1 comprises a palm side skin 2 b forming a front wall of the ball glove (not shown in the figure) and a back side skin 2 forming a back wall 3 of the glove. The back side skin 2 comprises a finger zone 4 having a plurality of finger sections including an index finger section 5, a middle finger section 6, a ring finger section 7, a little finger section 8, and a thumb section 9. The ball glove further comprises a webbing 10 coupled to the index finger section 5 and the thumb section 9, a back lining 11 secured to the back side skin 2, and a palm lining 12 secured to the palm side skin. The back side skin 2 is coupled to the palm side skin 2 b to define a hand cavity having an opening of the hand cavity 13 to insert wearer's hand in the proximal end of the ball glove.

The back side skin 2 is composed of a one-piece pre-formed member and no welting is used. Thus, a production process is simplified. Moreover, as bulged portions 11 a illustrated in FIG. 3 is not formed on a back lining 11 secured to the back side skin 2, discomfort caused by the friction between wearer's fingers and welting edge can be eliminated and easy close function is provided due to the improved flexibility.

The ball glove 1 may comprise apertures 17, elevated lines 18 formed on the back side skin, or combination thereof, in the finger zone 4. FIG. 4a illustrates one of embodiments of the back side skin 2, in which the finger zone 4 comprises apertures 17. Each finger section may comprise at least one of the apertures 17. The at least one of the apertures 17 may be a slit extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball glove 1. FIG. 4b illustrates an embodiment in which the at least one of the apertures 17 is a slit extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections.

FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b illustrate one of embodiments of the back side skin 2. Addition to the apertures 17, the back side skin may further comprise openings 16 in hinge zones 14, 15, which extend from base of the little finger section 8 and the thumb section 9 toward the proximate end of the ball glove 1 and vicinity of finger crotches between the index finger section 5 and the middle finger section 6, the middle finger section 6 and the ring finger section 7, and the ring finger section 7 and the little finger section 8. The openings 16 in the vicinity of finger crouches may extend toward a proximal end of the ball grove 1. The openings 16 in the hinge zones 14, 15 provide easy closing movement of the thumb section 9 and the little finger section 8 which support better control of the ball caught in the ball glove 1. The openings 16 in the vicinity of finger crouches provide a flexibility to a ball impact zone located at the base of finger section to support firm gripping.

FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b illustrate the slits 17 extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove. As illustrated in the figures, these slits 17 on the back side skin 2 provide flexibility to close the ball glove 1 when catching the ball during play. FIGS. 6c and 6d illustrate the slits 17 extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections. As illustrated in the figures, these slits 17 on the back side skin 2 provide smooth bending actions of the fingers when catching the ball. FIG. 7a illustrates one of embodiments of the back side skin 2, in which the finger zone 4 comprises elevated lines 18 formed on the back side skin 2. Each finger section may comprise at least one of the elevated lines 18. As indicated in FIG. 7, the elevated lines 18 may extend from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball glove 1 and a height of the elevated lines 18 may be varied along the direction the elevated lines 18 extend as indicated in FIG. 8a . The elevated lines 18 provides the ball glove 1 stiffness and make the ball glove 1 firm and keeping the shape of the finger sections when catching the ball. Although it is not illustrated in FIG. 7a , the elevated lines 18 may extend in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections as shown in FIG. 10a or FIG. 11a . The elevated lines 18 may be spiked as illustrated in FIG. 8 b.

FIG. 7b illustrate one of embodiments of the back side skin 2. Addition to the elevated lines 18, the back side skin may further comprise openings 16 in hinge zones 14, 15, which extend from base of the little finger section 8 and the thumb section 9 toward the proximate end of the ball glove 1 and vicinity of finger crotches between the index finger section 5 and the middle finger section 6, the middle finger section 6 and the ring finger section 7, and the ring finger section 7 and the little finger section 8. The openings 16 in the vicinity of finger crouches may extend toward a proximal end of the ball grove 1.

In some of the embodiments, the back side skin 2 may comprise the apertures 17 and the elevated lines 18 formed on the back side skin 2, in the finger zone 4. A location of the aperture 17 and the elevated lines 18 are interchangeable. Therefore, a number of configurations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention depending on the player's preference and requirement.

For example, the plurality of finger sections may be configured to grasp an equator of ball 19 by respective finger sections on which at least two of elevated lines 18 are formed. This configuration is depicted in FIGS. 9a and 9b . As shown in the figures, two elevated lines 18 are formed on each of the thumb section 9 and the little finger section 8 to make them stiff so that the stiffened finger sections grasp an equator of ball 19. One elevated line 18 is formed on the index finger section 5 to make the ball glove 1 firm when catching the ball and two apertures 17 are provided to each of the rest of the finger sections to provide easy closing capability and better control of the ball. This configuration provides the firm gripping which is suitable for an outfielder of the baseball game.

In another example, the plurality of finger sections are configured to grasp a polar zone of ball 20 by respective finger sections on which at least two of elevated lines 18 are formed. This configuration is depicted in FIGS. 10a and 10b . As shown in the figures, two elevated lines 18, extending from a base of the thumb section 9 to a distal end of the ball grove 1, are formed on the thumb section 9 and three elevated lines 18, extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the middle finger section 6 are formed on the middle finger section 6 so that the stiffened finger sections grasp a polar zone of ball 20. One elevated lines 18, extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the ring finger section 7 are formed on the ring finger section 7 to assist grasping the ball. Three apertures 17, extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections are provided to each of the rest of the finger sections to provide easy closing capability and better control of the ball. This configuration provides the quick release capability of the ball caught in the ball glove 1, which is suitable for an infielder of the baseball game.

In yet another example, the plurality of finger sections are configured to grasp an area between the equator of ball 19 and the polar zone of ball 20 by respective finger sections on which at least two of elevated lines 18 are formed. This configuration is depicted in FIGS. 11a and 11b . Two elevated lines 18, extending from a base of the thumb section 9 to a distal end of the ball grove 1, are formed on the thumb section 9 and three elevated lines 18, extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the ring finger section 7 are formed on the ring finger section 7 so that the stiffened finger sections grasp the area between the equator of ball 19 and the polar zone of ball 20. Two elevated lines 18, extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the little finger section 8 are formed on the little finger section 8 to make the ball glove 1 firm when catching the ball.

At least two apertures 17, extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections are provided to each of the rest of the finger sections to provide easy closing capability and better control of the ball. This configuration provides moderate gripping, which is suitable for a pitcher or infielder of the baseball game.

These three configurations are just the most typical combination and are not to be taken in a limiting sense. Additional apertures or elevated lines may be added to adjust flexibility or stiffness. There could still be more variations depending on the material used and the player's choice.

The ball glove 1 may further comprise a plurality of fourchettes 21 a-d to substitute joining of the back side skin 2 to the palm side skin 2 b with welting. The plurality of fourchettes 21 a-d allow easy movement of the figure sections. Each fourchette is displaced between respective finger sections. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the fourchettes 21 b-d displaced between the index finger section 5 and the middle finger 6 section, between the middle finger section 6 and the ring finger section 7, and between the ring finger section 7 and the little finger section 8 are in substantially U-shape, and the fourchette 21 a displaced between the thumb section 9 and the index finger 5 section is in substantially channel shape.

The fourchettes 21 a-d may be in and different shapes and widths to create desired finger curve and pocket formation either wide open for the infielder and deep pocket for the outfielder. The fouchettes 21 a-d may further comprises openings 22 to make the finger sections of the ball glove 1 flexible for better control.

As illustrated in FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b , the webbing 10 may also comprise a one piece pre-formed web 23 laminated to a leather web part 24 to prevent the leather web part 24 from stretching with repeated catching of the ball. The one piece pre-formed web 23 may further comprise slit apertures 25, an elevated line 26 formed on the one piece pre-formed web 23, or combination thereof.

In some of embodiments, the slit apertures 25 and/or the elevated line 26 formed on the one piece pre-formed web 23 extend from a proximal end of the ball grove to a distal end of the ball grove. See FIG. 14c . In some of embodiments, the slit apertures 25 and/or the at least one elevated line 26 formed on the one piece pre-formed web 23 extend in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the index finger section 5. See FIG. 14d . In some of embodiments, the slit apertures 25 and/or the at least one elevated line 26 formed on the one piece pre-formed web 23 extend in an oblique direction with respected to an extending direction of the index finger section. See FIG. 14 e.

The present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and may be variously altered or changed as long as it does not depart from the gist of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball glove comprising: a palm side skin forming a front wall of the glove a back side skin forming a back wall of the glove and comprising a finger zone having a plurality of finger sections including an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section, a little finger section, and a thumb section, a webbing coupled to the index finger section and the thumb section, a back lining secured to the back side skin, and a palm lining secured to the palm side skin, wherein the back side skin is composed of a one-piece pre-formed member.
 2. The ball glove according to claim 1 further comprising apertures, elevated lines formed on the back side skin, or combination thereof, in the finger zone.
 3. The ball glove according to claim 2, wherein the back side skin further comprising openings in hinge zones and in vicinity of finger crotches between the index finger section and the middle finger section, the middle finger section and the ring finger section, and the ring finger section and the little finger section, and wherein the openings in the vicinity of finger crouches extend toward a proximal end of the ball grove.
 4. The ball glove according to claim 2, wherein the back side skin comprising apertures in the finger zone.
 5. The ball glove according to claim 4, wherein each finger section comprises at least one of the apertures. 6 . The ball glove according to claim 5, wherein the at least one of the apertures is a slit extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove. 7 . The ball glove according to claim 5, wherein the at least one of the apertures is a slit extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections.
 8. The ball glove according to claim 2, wherein the back side skin comprises the elevated lines in the finger zone.
 9. The ball glove according to claim 8, wherein each finger section comprises at least one of elevated lines extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove.
 10. The ball glove according to claim 8, wherein the back side skin comprises the elevated lines extending from a base of respective finger sections to a distal end of the ball grove and the elevated lines extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of respective finger sections.
 11. The ball glove according to claim 8, wherein the elevated lines are spiked.
 12. The ball glove according to claim 2, wherein the back side skin comprising the apertures and the elevated lines formed on the back side skin, in the finger zone.
 13. The ball glove according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of finger sections are configured to grasp an equator of ball by respective finger sections on which at least one elevated line is formed.
 14. The ball glove according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of finger sections are configured to grasp a polar zone of ball by respective finger sections on which at least one elevated line is formed.
 15. The ball glove according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of finger sections are configured to grasp between an equator of ball and a polar zone of ball by respective finger sections on which at least one elevated line is formed.
 16. The ball glove according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fourchettes to join the palm side skin and the back side skin, wherein each fourchette is displaced between respective finger sections.
 17. The ball glove according to claim 16, wherein respective fourchettes displaced between the index finger section and the middle finger section, the middle finger section and the ring finger section, and the ring finger section and the little finger section are in substantially U-shape, and the one displaced between the thumb section and the index finger section is in substantially channel shape.
 18. The ball glove according to claim 16, wherein each of fourchettes comprises an opening.
 19. The ball glove according to claim 1, wherein webbing comprising a one piece pre-formed web laminated to a leather web part.
 20. The ball glove according to claim 19, wherein the one piece pre-formed web comprising slit apertures, at least one elevated line formed on the one piece pre-formed web, or combination thereof.
 21. The ball glove according to claim 20, wherein the slit apertures and/or the at least one elevated lines formed on the one piece pre-formed web extend from a proximal end of the ball to a distal end of the ball grove.
 22. The ball glove according to claim 20, wherein the slit apertures and/or the at least one elevated lines formed on the one piece pre-formed web extend in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the index finger section.
 23. The ball glove according to claim 20, wherein the slit apertures and/or the at least one elevated lines formed on the one piece pre-formed web extend in an oblique direction with respected to an extending direction of the index finger section. 